Mystery man helps make disabled Larne boy’s dreams come true

Stephen Gamble

The mother of a severely disabled Larne boy has voiced her “eternal gratitude” to a mystery man who helped make her son’s dreams come true.

Seven-year-old Finlay Spiers suffers from dystonic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, meaning he is unable to speak and is confined to a wheelchair.

In a bid to provide the youngster with a semblance of freedom, his mum Karen set out to raise £1,100 for a special custom tricycle to help give Finlay “the childhood he deserves”.

The Larne Times published a story highlighting Karen’s fundraising mission back in August, and just days after the article appeared, she was left stunned when she received an anonymous cash donation.

The 41-year-old mum said: “A man walked into SD Kells in Larne and handed an envelope to my brother-in-law, Danny Murphy, who works in the store.

“He didn’t want to give his name, he just told Danny to pass the envelope on to Finlay.

“I was shocked to discover it contained £1,100 in cash, which was the full amount of my fundraising target.”

Karen is now urging the kind-hearted stranger to come forward, so she and Finlay can thank him in person.

“I just can’t believe the incredible generosity this man has shown,” Karen added.

“If he still wants to remain anonymous I will respect his wishes, but I would very much like to thank him personally.

“This bike will help give Finlay the childhood he deserves, by providing him with a form of exercise and enabling him to play with his friends rather than just watching from the sidelines.

“It means the world to both of us and we can’t thank you enough for this donation, whoever you are.”

The £1,100 donation is just the tip of the fundraising iceberg. On Saturday night, a charity evening was held in aid of the youngster at St John’s Masonic Club, hosted by St John’s Ladies fundraising group.

More than 120 people attended the sold-out event, with more than 30 local businesses lending their support by donating an array of great raffle prizes.

A delighted Karen revealed that the charity evening had helped propel the fundraising total to a whopping £8,000.

She added: “Finlay was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.

“He may not be able to speak due to his condition, but he talks with his eyes and with his smile. It was a very emotional evening for us.

“I want to thank everyone who helped to make the event such a great success.”

Karen plans to use the extra money raised to create an enclosed play area for Finlay, and also give the youngster access to music therapy.